Vietnam 1968

Leading up to 1968

• No clear cut winner in the war
• Increase in American forces in Vietnam/SE Asia
• The Viet Cong was the guiding force against South Vietnam
• Most Americans supported the war
• LBJ was determined
• Optimistic reports are sent back
• McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel"
• Overall, the public still supported America in Vietnam

Tet Offensive - attack on US strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam the VC

• US wins every battle
• Shook the public, who thought the enemy was close to defeat
• LBJ struggles - Congress cuts his Great Society program
• US inivolvement in the war is criticized
• New Defense Secretary says that the war seems unwinnable
• Public opinion goes against the war in Vietnam
• Nation turns against LBJ
• Johnson floats the idea of halting bombing
• Johnson says he will not run for a second term

MLK was assasinated

Then, Robert Kennedy

• Mourns over Dr. King
• Promises Civil Rights, becomes leading candidate for presidency
• He was also assassinated.

1968 Election
Hubert Humphrey (Democrat) vs Richard Nixon (Republican) vs George Wallace
Nixon wins